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PULMONOLOGY
ASTHMA
AROUND
THE
HOUSE
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Sources: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology;
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
DUST MITES
These tiny bugs exist in every home and hide in
many places, especially bedding, carpets and items
covered with fabric.
Keep mites at bay by using dust-proof, zippered
covers on pillows and mattresses. Vacuum carpet
and upholstered furniture every week. And wash
bedding in hot water weekly. Wash stuffed toys in
hot water too.
SECONDHAND
SMOKE AND
INDOOR AIR
POLLUTANTS
Secondhand smoke not only
causes asthma attacks, it can
make them more severe.
So don’t allow smoking in
your home—ever.
Smoke from burning
wood is also a trigger. Only
use wood that’s been covered
and is dry in a fireplace;
there will be less smoke.
And if you cook with gas,
always use the exhaust fan.
Gas stoves release nitrogen
dioxide, which may make
asthma flare up.
MOLD
This trigger needs moisture to
grow. Control mold by keeping
the humidity level in your home
low—no higher than 50 percent.
Use an air conditioner or
dehumidifier if necessary. Fix
water leaks as soon as possible.
Taking a shower? Use an
exhaust fan or open a window.
And if you see mold on hard
surfaces, clean it up with soap
and water. Then let the area
completely dry.
ANIMAL ALLERGENS
No matter how well-loved, a furry
pet can make asthma worse in
people who are allergic to animal
dander. Sorry, but the best defense
is to find another home for
Fluffy or Fido.
If you just can’t part with your
pet, keep it out of the bedroom of
the person with asthma. Also, keep
the pet away from upholstered
furniture, carpets and stuffed toys
as much as possible.
Stepping inside
your front door
shouldn’t make you—or anyone
in your family—wheeze. Yet any
number of substances that can
bring on an asthma attack might be
lurking inside.
Here’s a look at how to rid your
home of four common asthma
triggers, which may help keep this
lung disease under control.
For more ways to
manage your asthma,
go to
www.citizens
memorial.com/
specialties/
pulmonology
.